You've Got to Give Back

The late sports commentator and humanitarian “Red” Barber, among many other accomplishments, called play-by-play for the Cincinnati Reds from 1934 to 1938. He got it right when he said, “you’ve got to give back.” 

That quote has impacted me in a big way. In fact, as I reflect upon the last 19 years serving as Rubber Duck Regatta chair for the Freestore Foodbank, Red’s words, for me, sum up every aspect of our event. 

Our sponsors cover all of our expenses so that every penny goes back to helping children in need. What a prime example of giving back. 

Our volunteers selflessly donate their time, whether they’re tagging our ducks with numbers, manning phone lines at Duck Central or helping us wash the ducks after they swim in the river.

Once again giving back. And we certainly can’t forget our donors generously buying ducks to help the nearly 100,000 children in our communities who aren’t always sure where their next meal is coming. The theme is consistent across the board. 

This last summer, I watched the 19^th annual Rubber Duck Regatta from a duck boat on the Ohio River. Very fitting, I know. As my eyes were glued to the nearly 150,000 yellow rubber ducks swimming along the banks, I could not help but think of the tremendous impact they were about to have on children and families in need. 

The ducks that took the plunge last year reflected $875,000 net for the Freestore Foodbank, the equivalent of more than two million meals for those who need it most from the urban core to our rural communities. 

This was made possible by the nearly 29,000 people who so generously bought ducks for the regatta. 

We’re now busy gearing up for a major milestone - the 20^th annual Rubber Duck Regatta. We have lots of exciting things in store. I’ll tell you a bit more about that later on this summer. For now, I can say that with your support, Sunday, August 31 you will give the gift of hope to thousands of children and families in need in the Tri-State. 

You see, life is truly about creating a habit of giving. And I truly appreciate everyone who has embraced this concept by supporting us with their time and generosity through the Rubber Duck Regatta each year. With my most sincere gratitude, I thank you. See you this summer!

Bob Edwards is a Registered Representative with AXA Advisors, LLC and has a long-standing history of serving the community. Among many things, Bob serves on the Board of the Freestore Foodbank and is the Founder and Chair of the organization’s largest fundraising event – the Rubber Duck Regatta.